Lallana inspires Liverpool to 3-0 win at Middlesbrough

MIDDLESBROUGH, England (AP) — Adam Lallana scored two goals and set up another to inspire Liverpool to a 3-0 win over Middlesbrough in the English Premier League on Wednesday, as goalkeeper Simon Mignolet marked his return with a clean sheet.

Mignolet regained his starting spot in place of Loris Karius, who was dropped after making errors in the last two matches, but had little to do in a game that Liverpool controlled at Riverside Stadium.

Lallana headed home Nathaniel Clyne's cross to put Liverpool ahead in the 29th minute, and provided a low cross that was swept in by Divock Origi for the second goal in the 60th.

Liverpool's Adam Lallana, center, celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game during their English Premier League soccer match against Middlesborough at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, England, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016. (Richard Sellers/PA via AP)

Lallana scored his sixth goal of the season, converting a pass from Origi in the 68th, to wrap up an impressive display. That third goal ensured Liverpool climbed to second in the standings, above Arsenal on goal difference but still six points behind Chelsea.

Karius paid the price for fumbling a shot to gift Bournemouth an injury-time winner on Dec. 4, and for allowing Dimitri Payet's free kick to get past him for a goal in Liverpool's 2-2 draw with West Ham on Sunday. Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has defended Karius in the face of mounting media criticism in recent weeks.

Mignolet started the season ahead of Karius, a summer signing from Mainz, before losing his place midway through September.

FILE - In this Wednesday, July 27, 2016 file photo, Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius stands on the field during the first half of the International Champions Cup soccer match against the Chelsea at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. Liverpool has dropped goalkeeper Loris Karius for the Premier League match at Middlesbrough on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016 after he made mistakes in the team¿s last two games. Simon Mignolet, who started the season ahead of Karius before losing his place in September, regained his spot in goal. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, file)